Can Lead Acid Batteries and Sea Water Create Chlorine Gas in Submarines?

In summary, during WW1 and WW2, submarines with lead acid batteries and were depth charged sometimes produced chlorine gas inside due to leaking seawater flooding the battery compartment and causing hydrolysis of NaCl. This was seen in the case of the USS Squalus. However, there are also stories of broken battery cases spilling electrolyte into the bilges and producing chlorine gas without electrolysis. This could be achieved by mixing battery acid with sea water and using lead dioxide as an oxidizer. The fog of war and misinformation can make it difficult to determine the exact cause.
  • #1
Baluncore
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Submarines that had lead acid batteries and were depth charged during WW1 or WW2 sometimes produced chlorine gas inside the submarine. Was that because;
1. Broken batteries leaked sulphuric acid into the bilges where sea water with NaCl had accumulated, or;
2. Leaking seawater flooded the battery compartment and the NaCl brine was hydrolysed between the battery terminals.
 
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  • #2
The latter.

If you are interested in such things, you might want to read about the USS Squalus.
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
The latter.
How do you know it can not be the first under different circumstances ?

The USS Squalus was clearly a case of sea water flooding the battery compartment. Electrolysis is highly probable, but so is mixing of battery electrolyte with sea water.
I am interested because of the many unexplained stories told. Such as in WW1, no leak in the hull, but broken battery cases that spilled electrolyte into the bilges and produced chlorine gas. It seems to me that there is no electrolysis cell in that scenario.
The fog of war and deliberate misinformation tend to hide the truth.
 
  • #4
How about the following two reactions.

Mix battery acid with sea water to produce hydrochloric acid.
H2SO4 + 2 NaCl = 2 HCl + Na2SO4

Then use lead dioxide from the battery plate as an oxidiser to release chlorine gas.
4 HCl + PbO2 = Pb + 2 H2O + 2 Cl2

That could produce chlorine gas without the hydrolysis of sea water between battery conductors.
 

1. What is chlorine gas and why is it used in submarines?

Chlorine gas is a poisonous, yellow-green gas that is used in submarines as a disinfectant and to remove impurities from the air. It is also used in water treatment systems to purify drinking water on submarines.

2. Is chlorine gas dangerous for the crew on a submarine?

Chlorine gas can be dangerous if not handled properly. Exposure to high levels of chlorine gas can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and skin burns. However, the levels of chlorine gas used in submarines are carefully regulated and monitored to ensure the safety of the crew.

3. How is chlorine gas stored and released in a submarine?

Chlorine gas is stored in pressurized cylinders and released using a valve system when needed. The gas is carefully controlled and released in small, diluted amounts to prevent any harm to the crew.

4. Can chlorine gas leak or cause accidents on a submarine?

While it is possible for chlorine gas to leak, strict safety protocols and regular maintenance are in place to prevent accidents. In the event of a leak, the crew is trained to respond quickly and safely to contain and neutralize the gas.

5. Are there any alternatives to using chlorine gas in submarines?

Yes, there are alternative methods for disinfecting and purifying air and water on submarines, such as using UV light and other chemicals. However, chlorine gas is still commonly used due to its effectiveness and affordability.

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